BACKGROUND:The Perioperative ADministration of Dexamethasone and Infection (PADDI) randomised placebo-controlled trial showed that a single 8 mg dose of intraoperative dexamethasone had no effect on surgical-site infection within 30 days after nonurgent, noncardiac surgery. Whether dexamethasone increases blood glucose and adverse outcomes in people with diabetes mellitus remains unclear. METHODS:In this preplanned sub-study, 1130 PADDI participants (mean age 65.2 y: 40.7% female) with diabetes mellitus and glycated haemoglobin <9.0% were included in this 'as treated' analysis. The primary outcome was the maximum recorded perioperative blood glucose concentration (mM) within 24 h of anaesthesia induction. RESULTS:The maximum perioperative blood glucose level was 12.5 mM (median, IQR 10.6-15.0) in 570 participants receiving dexamethasone, compared with 10.3 mM (8.8-12.4) in 560 participants receiving placebo (estimated difference 1.86 mM (95% CI 1.50-2.22), P<0.001). There was no evidence of increased risk of surgical-site infection (dexamethasone 11.1% vs placebo 14.4%, risk ratio [RR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-1.01). Age, sex, BMI and HbA1c were not associated with maximum perioperative glucose levels or the incidence of surgical-site infections between the dexamethasone and placebo groups. The requirement for additional insulin and the number of hypoglycaemic episodes did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION:In people with diabetes mellitus, dexamethasone was associated with a modest increase in perioperative blood glucose but not with increased surgical-site infection. These findings support the use of dexamethasone to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting in people with diabetes mellitus.

Aims: To examine the psychometric properties of the Diabetes Management Experiences Questionnaire (DME- Q). Adapted from the validated Glucose Monitoring Experiences Questionnaire, the DME- Q captures satisfaction with diabetes management irrespective of treatment modalities.Methods: The DME- Q was completed by adults with type 1 diabetes as part of a randomized controlled trial comparing hybrid closed loop (HCL) to standard therapy. Most psychometric properties were examined with pre-randomization data (n = 149); responsiveness was examined using baseline and 26 -week followup data (n = 120).Results: Pre-randomization, participants' mean age was 44 +/- 12 years, 52% were women. HbA1c was 61 +/- 11 mmol/mol (7.8 +/- 1.0%), diabetes duration was 24 +/- 12 years and 47% used an insulin pump prior to the trial. A forced three-factor analysis revealed three expected domains, that is, 'Convenience', 'Effectiveness' and 'Intrusiveness', and a forced one-factor solution was also satisfactory. Internal consistency reliability was strong for the three subscales (a range = 0.74-0.84) and 'Total satisfaction' (a = 0.85). Convergent validity was demonstrated with moderate correlations between DME- Q 'Total satisfaction' and diabetes distress (PAID: rs= -0.57) and treatment satisfaction (DTSQ; rs = 0.58). Divergent validity was demonstrated with a weak correlation with prospective/retrospective memory (PRMQ: rs = -0.16 and - 0.13 respectively). Responsiveness was demonstrated, as participants randomized to HCL had higher 'Effectiveness' and 'Total satisfaction' scores than those randomized to standard therapy.Conclusions: The 22 -item DME- Q is a brief, acceptable, reliable measure with satisfactory structural and construct validity, which is responsive to intervention. The DME- Q is likely to be useful for evaluation of new pharmaceutical agents and technologies in research and clinical settings.

Introduction This analysis aimed to investigate diabetes-specific psychological outcomes among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using hybrid closed-loop (HCL) versus standard therapy.Research design and methods In this multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, adults with T1D were allocated to 26 weeks of HCL (MiniMed™ 670G) or standard therapy (insulin pump or multiple daily injections without real-time continuous glucose monitoring). Psychological outcomes (awareness and fear of hypoglycemia; and diabetes-specific positive well-being, diabetes distress, diabetes treatment satisfaction, and diabetes-specific quality of life (QoL)) were measured at enrollment, mid-trial and end-trial. Linear mixed models were conducted, using restricted maximum likelihood estimation, unadjusted and adjusted (for covariates: age, sex, diabetes duration, glycated hemoglobin, recent severe hypoglycemia, pre-trial insulin delivery modality, enrollment and mid-study scores).Results 120 participants (mean age 44±12 years) were randomized to intervention (n=61) or standard therapy (n=59). At 13 weeks, the HCL group had better diabetes-specific positive well-being than the standard therapy group (unadjusted: Δ=1.0, p=0.025; adjusted: Δ=1.1, p=0.01), which was maintained at 26 weeks (unadjusted: Δ=0.9, p=0.042; adjusted: Δ=1.0, p=0.023). At 26 weeks, the HCL group also had less diabetes distress (adjusted: Δ=−6.4, p=0.039), fear of hypoglycemia (“maintain high”: adjusted: Δ=−0.8, p=0.034; and “worry”: adjusted: Δ=−1.8, p=0.048), and perceived “unacceptably high glucose levels” (unadjusted: Δ=−1.1, p<0.001; adjusted: Δ=−1.1, p<0.001). HCL did not improve diabetes treatment satisfaction, diabetes-specific QoL, hypoglycemia awareness, or perceived frequency of unacceptably low glucose levels.Conclusions These findings imply that HCL offers important psychological benefits. In particular, improvement in diabetes-specific positive well-being was observed 13 weeks after HCL initiation and maintained at 26 weeks. Reduction in the perceived frequency of hyperglycemia was also apparent by 26 weeks. Adjusted analyses showed significant reductions in diabetes distress and fear of hypoglycemia at 26 weeks, suggesting these benefits were apparent for people with particular characteristics.Trial registration number Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000520336.

BACKGROUND:Hyperglycaemia is a common side effect of prednisolone, although there are no widely accepted guidelines for the management of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycaemia (GIH). Our institution uses mixed insulin in a pre-breakfast or pre-breakfast and pre-lunch regimen, with the rationale that this profile of insulin action matches the physiological effect of prednisolone on blood glucose levels (BGLs). AIM:Evaluate the use of the mixed insulin (NovoMix30) in a pre-breakfast or pre-breakfast and pre-lunch regimen as management for GIH in a tertiary hospital setting. METHOD:We retrospectively evaluated all inpatients coprescribed prednisolone ≥7.5 mg and NovoMix30 for at least 48 hours over a 19-month period. BGLs were evaluated with repeated-measures analysis within four time periods across the day, beginning from the day prior to NovoMix30 administration. RESULTS:A total of 53 patients were identified. NovoMix30 significantly reduced BGLs in the morning (mean 12.7 ± 4.5 vs. 9.2 ± 3.9 mmol/L, P < 0.001), afternoon (mean 13.6 ± 3.8 vs. 11.9 ± 3.8 mmol/L, P = 0.001) and evening (12.1 ± 3.8 vs. 10.8 ± 3.8 mmol/L, P = 0.01). With uptitration of insulin over 3 days, 43% of all BGLs were within the target range, compared with 23% on day 0 (P < 0.001). The final median dose of NovoMix30 was 0.15 (0.10-0.22) units/kg bodyweight, or 0.40 (0.23-0.69) units/mg of prednisolone, which is lower than our hospital guideline recommends. One overnight hypoglycaemic event was observed. CONCLUSION:Mixed insulin as a pre-breakfast or pre-breakfast and pre-lunch regimen can target the hyperglycaemic pattern induced by prednisolone and minimise overnight hypoglycaemia. However, higher doses of insulin than those used in our study are likely required for optimal BGL control.

Summary Adrenal gland haemorrhage is an uncommon, yet likely under-diagnosed complication of high-impact trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents (MVA). It usually occurs with multi-trauma and is associated with additional injuries to the ribs, liver, kidney, spleen and vertebrae. Trauma cases with resultant adrenal gland injury have higher mortality rates. Primary adrenal insufficiency as a result of bilateral adrenal haemorrhage is potentially fatal. We report three cases of life-threatening adrenal insufficiency following adrenal injuries sustained in MVA’s. Case 1 was a 60-year-old-male who presented with acute haemodynamic instability on admission. Case 2 was an 88-year-old female on anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, who developed haemodynamic instability 10 days into her admission. Case 3 was a 46-year-old male who developed hyponatraemia 2 weeks post-MVA. All were commenced on stress dose hydrocortisone replacement with improvement in clinical status. Only case 1 has had complete adrenal axis recovery, whereas the other patients remain on maintenance hydrocortisone replacement. Our cases demonstrate acute and subacute presentations of adrenal insufficiency following traumatic bilateral adrenal haemorrhages and highlight the importance of assessing adrenal morphology and function in any trauma patient with haemodynamic instability or hyponatraemia. Learning points Adrenal gland haemorrhage is an under-diagnosed consequence of high-impact trauma. Trauma patients with adrenal haemorrhage have a significantly increased mortality risk. Bilateral adrenal gland haemorrhage can result in life-threatening adrenal insufficiency requiring urgent glucocorticoid replacement. Biochemical assessment of the adrenocortical axis should be considered in all patients presenting with high-impact trauma following motor vehicle accidents. Given the potential for delayed presentation, any patients with new haemodynamic instability should have repeat biochemistry and/or imaging performed, even if initial adrenal imaging and investigations were normal.

There is limited evidence supporting the recommendation that drivers with insulin-treated diabetes need to start journeys with glucose >90 mg/dL. Glucose levels of drivers with type 1 diabetes were monitored for 3 weeks using masked continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Eighteen drivers (median [IQR] age 40 [35, 51] years; 11 men) undertook 475 trips (duration 15 [13, 21] min). Hypoglycemia did not occur in any trip starting with glucose >90 mg/dL (92%; n = 436). Thirteen drivers recorded at least one trip (total n = 39) starting with glucose <90 mg/dL. Among these, driving glucose was <70 mg/dL in five drivers (38%) during 10 trips (26%). Among five drivers (28%), a ≥ 36 mg/dL drop was observed within 20 min of starting their journey. Journey duration was positively associated with maximum glucose change. These findings support current guidelines to start driving with glucose >90 mg/dL, and to be aware that glucose levels may change significantly within 20 min. A CGM-based, in-vehicle display could provide glucose information and alerts that are compatible with safe driving. Clinical Trial Registration number: ACTRN12617000520336.

Background: Studies of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) as a novel therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases have proven promising. However, elevated IGF-1 levels have also been associated with poor patient outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. IGF-1 therapy has additionally been shown to not be beneficial in the percutaneous coronary intervention setting. Although IGF-1 activation of the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways have been demonstrated as cardioprotective, other cellular mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Methods: Neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NCMs) and fibroblasts (NCFs) were isolated from 1 to 2-day old pups using enzymatic digestion. NCMs and NCFs were pre-treated with IGF binding protein 6, inhibitors for the PI3K/Akt Wortmannin, ERK1/2 U0126, Rho Associated Protein Kinase (ROCK) GSK576371, Apoptosis Signal-regulating Kinase-1 (ASK-1) G2261818A, and p38MAPK RWJ67657 pathways before stimulation with IGF-1 for 62 and 50 h, respectively. Cardiac myocyte hypertrophy and fibroblast collagen synthesis were determined by 3H-leucine and 3H-proline incorporation, respectively. Results: IGF-1 dose-dependently stimulated NCM hypertrophy and NCF collagen synthesis. Treatment with IGFBP6 and the kinase inhibitors, Wortmannin, U0126, GSK576371, G2261818A and RWJ67657 significantly inhibited IGF-1 stimulated NCM hypertrophy and NCF collagen synthesis. Conclusion: This study is the first to demonstrate that IGF-1 treatment in NCMs and NCFs activates the ROCK, ASK-1 and p38MAPK pathways. Future research may be guided by consideration of the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways potentially increasing collagen synthesis, and the utilisation of a biased agonist to reduce activation of the ROCK, ASK-1 and p38MAPK pathways to maximise cardioprotective benefit whilst mitigating risks. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.

BACKGROUND The glucocorticoid dexamethasone prevents nausea and vomiting after surgery, but there is concern that it may increase the risk of surgical-site infection. METHODS In this pragmatic, international, noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned 8880 adult patients who were undergoing nonurgent, noncardiac surgery of at least 2 hours' duration, with a skin incision length longer than 5 cm and a postoperative overnight hospital stay, to receive 8 mg of intravenous dexamethasone or matching placebo while under anesthesia. Randomization was stratified according to diabetes status and trial center. The primary outcome was surgical-site infection within 30 days after surgery. The prespecified noninferiority margin was 2.0 percentage points. RESULTS A total of 8725 participants were included in the modified intention-to-treat population (4372 in the dexamethasone group and 4353 in the placebo group), of whom 13.2% (576 in the dexamethasone group and 572 in the placebo group) had diabetes mellitus. Of the 8678 patients included in the primary analysis, surgical-site infection occurred in 8.1% (354 of 4350 patients) assigned to dexamethasone and in 9.1% (394 of 4328) assigned to placebo (risk difference adjusted for diabetes status, -0.9 percentage points; 95.6% confidence interval [CI], -2.1 to 0.3; P<0.001 for noninferiority). The results for superficial, deep, and organ-space surgical-site infections and in patients with diabetes were similar to those of the primary analysis. Postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first 24 hours after surgery occurred in 42.2% of patients in the dexamethasone group and in 53.9% in the placebo group (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.82). Hyperglycemic events in patients without diabetes occurred in 22 of 3787 (0.6%) in the dexamethasone group and in 6 of 3776 (0.2%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Dexamethasone was noninferior to placebo with respect to the incidence of surgical-site infection within 30 days after nonurgent, noncardiac surgery. (Funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and others; PADDI Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12614001226695.).

Aims: To compare meal-time glycaemia in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) managed with multiple daily injections (MDI) vs. insulin pump therapy (IPT), using self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG), following diabetes education. Methods: Adults with T1D received carbohydrate-counting education and a bolus calculator: MDI (Roche Aviva Expert) and IPT (pump bolus calculator). All then wore 3-weeks of masked-CGM (Enlite, Medtronic). Meal-times were assessed by two approaches: 1) Set time-blocks (breakfast 06:00-10:00hrs; lunch 11:00-15:00hrs; dinner 17:00-21:00hrs) and 2) Bolus-calculator carbohydrate entries signalling meal commencement. Post-meal masked-CGM time-in-range (TIR) 3.9-10.0 mmol/L was the primary outcome. Results: MDI(n = 61) and IPT (n = 59) participants were equivalent in age, sex, diabetes duration and HbA1c. Median (IQR) education time provided did not differ (MDI: 1.1 h (0.75, 1.5) vs. IPT: 1.1 h (1.0, 2.0); p = 0.86). Overall, daytime (06:00-24:00hrs), lunch and dinner TIR did not differ for MDI vs. IPT participants but was greater for breakfast with IPT in both analyses with a mean difference of 12.8%, (95 CI 4.8, 20.9); p = 0.002 (time-block analysis). Conclusion: After diabetes education, MDI and IPT use were associated with similar daytime glycemia, though IPT users had significantly greater TIR during the breakfast period. With education, meal-time glucose levels are comparable with use of MDI vs. pumps. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A recent case series of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) associated with colonoscopy in sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i)-treated diabetes (1) prompted a clinical alert update to include colonoscopy (2). That update advised colonoscopy cancellation when capillary ketone concentrations are >1.0 mmol/L (if blood gas analysis is unavailable) when SGLT2i have not been withheld for 72 h. However, those guidelines were formulated in the absence of data regarding the normal range for capillary ketone concentrations at the time of colonoscopy. Unnecessary colonoscopy cancellation carries risks, including delays in possible cancer detection, and psychological consequences, whereas a ketone cutoff that is too high increases the risk of DKA. To define a ketone concentration that may serve as an empirical determinant of the need for further investigation, we now report a nondiabetic reference interval for capillary ketone concentrations at the time of colonoscopy from a multicenter observational study conducted between June and December 2020 at four tertiary health services (Alfred, Austin, Eastern, and Western Health) in Melbourne, Australia. Multisite approval was granted by the Alfred Human Research Ethics Committee. Inclusion criteria for the reference population were community-dwelling, normoglycemic adults undergoing colonoscopy. Exclusion criteria were a history of diabetes, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic surgery, hemochromatosis, cystic fibrosis, starvation ketosis (defined as fasting >72 h), pregnancy, or the discovery during recruitment of a fasting capillary glucose >5.5 mmol/L (100 mg/dL). Participants with type 2 diabetes were also recruited to compare capillary ketone concentrations with the reference interval population. Except for physician-adjudicated …

Background: This prerandomization analysis from the Australian HCL-Adult trial (registration number: ACTRN12617000520336) compared masked continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics among adults using insulin pumps versus multiple daily injections (MDIs), who were all self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG). Methods: Adults with type 1 diabetes, using an insulin pump or MDIs without real-time CGM (and entering a trial of closed-loop technology), were eligible. MDI users were given an insulin dosage calculator. All participants received diabetes and carbohydrate-counting education, then wore masked CGM sensors for 3 weeks. Ethics Approval: HREC-D 088/16 Results: Adults using MDIs (n = 61) versus pump (n = 59) did not differ by age, sex, diabetes duration, insulin total daily dose, or HbA1c at baseline. After education, median (interquartile range) CGM time in range (TIR) 70-180 mg/dL (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) was 54% (47, 62) for those using MDIs and 56% (48, 66) for those using pump (P = 0.40). All CGM metrics were equivalent for 24 h/day for MDI and pump users. Overnight, those using MDIs (vs. pump) spent more time with glucose <54 mg/dL (<3.0 mmol/L): 1.4% (0.1, 5.1) versus 0.5% (0.0, 2.0), respectively (P = 0.012). They also had more CGM hypoglycemia episodes (121 vs. 54, respectively; incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval] 2.48 [1.51, 4.06]; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Adults with type 1 diabetes using pumps versus MDIs in conjunction with SMBG experienced less nocturnal hypoglycemia, measured by masked CGM, after equivalent diabetes and dietary education in conjunction with insulin dosage calculator provision to all. However, both groups had equivalent TIR. This observation may reflect advantages afforded by flexibility in basal insulin delivery provided by pumps.

Aims: To describe the demographics of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and their impact on inpatient management. Secondary outcomes identified relationships of treatment modality with mortality, length of hospital admission, readmissions and post admission care. Methods: Retrospective cohort study including patients with DFU admitted to a hospital network in Melbourne, Australia from 2016 to 2018. Medical records were manually reviewed for acute admission with DFU as a major presenting diagnosis; incidental ulcers and traumatic amputations were excluded. Amputations distal and proximal to the ankle were labelled 'minor' and 'major' respectively. Patients were followed until October 31, 2019. Results: Of 338 patients, 21 and 148 had major and minor amputations, and 169 were managed conservatively. 94% had >1 microvascular and/or macrovascular complication. Conservative management (7 days) was associated with a shorter length of stay (major 18, minor 10 days, p < 0.001). Readmission rates were not significantly different. Mortality was greatest (38%) and survival time shortest (999 days) after major amputation than after either other treatment. Other factors associated with mortality were age and a history of coronary artery disease. Conclusions: Early identification and multi-disciplinary management of DFU is essential to reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with amputation in these complex patients. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE:Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been associated with diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of colonoscopy. This study aimed to identify factors associated with ketone concentrations in SGLT2i-treated type 2 diabetes compared with non-SGLT2i-treated diabetes, and those with impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) and normoglycaemia.DESIGN:Cross-sectional, multicentre, observational study June-December 2020 in four Australian tertiary hospitals.PARTICIPANTS:Capillary glucose and ketones were measured in people undergoing colonoscopy: 37 SGLT2i-treated and 105 non-SGLT2i-treated type 2 diabetes, 65 IFG and 151 normoglycaemia.MEASUREMENTS:Body mass index (BMI), age, glucose, fasting duration and where relevant, HbA1c and time since last SGLT2i dose.RESULTS:In SGLT2i-treated diabetes, BMI (ρ = -0.43 [95% confidence interval: -0.67, -0.11]) and duration since last SGLT2i dose (ρ = -0.33 [-0.60, 0.00]) correlated negatively with increasing ketones, but there was no correlation with fasting duration. In non-SGLT2i-treated diabetes, BMI correlated negatively (ρ = -0.24 [-0.42, -0.05]) and fasting duration positively (ρ = 0.26 [0.07, 0.43]) with ketones. In IFG participants, only fasting duration correlated with ketones (ρ = 0.28 [0.03, 0.49]). In normoglycaemic participants, there were negative correlations with BMI (ρ = -0.20 [-0.35, -0.04]) and fasting glucose (ρ = -0.31 [-0.45, -0.15]) and positive correlations with fasting duration (ρ = 0.20 [0.04, 0.35]) and age (ρ = 0.19 [0.03, 0.34]). Multiple regression analysis of the entire cohort showed BMI, age and fasting glucose remained independently associated with ketones, but in SGLT2i-treated participants only BMI remained independently associated.CONCLUSIONS:In SGLT2i-treated diabetes, lower BMI was a novel risk factor for higher ketones precolonoscopy. Pending larger confirmatory studies, extra vigilance for ketoacidosis is warranted in these people.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life‐threatening but often preventable acute complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Understanding clinical and psychosocial characteristics of people with DKA, particularly those with multiple presentations, may aid the development of prevention strategies.

Prescribers have enthusiastically embraced sodium–glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes on the strength of accumulating data reporting improved cardiovascular and renal outcomes. In Australia, in 2016, 757 826 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescriptions containing an SGLT2 inhibitor were dispensed. By 2019, that number had risen to 2.3 million.1 Assuming these scripts are dispensed monthly, an estimated 19% of all patients with type 2 diabetes (about 190 000 people) are currently being treated with SGLT2 inhibitors.

BACKGROUND:Australian hospital data on hyperglycaemia without previously known diabetes are lacking.AIMS:To determine the prevalence of hyperglycaemia without previously recognised diabetes among all patients screened in the emergency department (ED). Secondary aims are to describe the extent of haemoglobin A1c testing for evaluation of new diabetes, adequate glucose monitoring, treatment of significant hyperglycaemia and documented follow-up plans.METHODS:Patients presenting to ED at the Alfred (tertiary hospital in Melbourne) have undergone screening random plasma glucose (RPG) with their first plasma biochemistry since 2015. Of the 16 268 adults screened from July to December 2015, a retrospective, cross-sectional study was undertaken evaluating those with hyperglycaemia (RPG >7.8 mmol/L) but without previously recognised diabetes as determined from coding data. After patient records were reviewed to correct for coding errors, a nested cohort of 200 such patients were further evaluated. Glucose monitoring was deemed adequate if undertaken for ≥48 h. Significant hyperglycaemia (RPG >11 mmol/L) was considered appropriately treated if insulin/hypoglycaemic agents were prescribed. Documented follow-up plans were acceptable if found in the discharge summary.RESULTS:Among all patients screened, 1178 had hyperglycaemia without coded diabetes. After adjusting for coding errors, the prevalence was 5.2%. Within the nested cohort, only 7.5% had a follow-up haemoglobin A1c ordered, 9.5% underwent adequate glucose monitoring, 6.5% had appropriate treatment of significant hyperglycaemia and 2% had documentation of a follow-up plan.CONCLUSIONS:Hyperglycaemia without previously recognised diabetes is commonly seen and justifies ED screening. However, management of newly detected hyperglycaemia in these patients is suboptimal and requires improvement.

Summary Conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism relies on oral calcium and calcitriol. Challenges in managing post-parathyroid- and post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia in patients with a history of bariatric surgery and malabsorption have been described, but postoperative management of bariatric surgery in patients with established hypoparathyroidism has not. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman who underwent elective sleeve gastrectomy on a background of post-surgical hypoparathyroidism and hypothyroidism. Multiple gastric perforations necessitated an emergency Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. She was transferred to a tertiary ICU and remained nil orally for 4 days, whereupon her ionised calcium level was 0.78 mmol/L (1.11–1.28 mmol/L). Continuous intravenous calcium infusion was required. She remained nil orally for 6 months due to abdominal sepsis and the need for multiple debridements. Intravenous calcium gluconate 4.4 mmol 8 hourly was continued and intravenous calcitriol twice weekly was added. Euthyroidism was achieved with intravenous levothyroxine. Maintaining normocalcaemia was fraught with difficulties in a patient with pre-existing surgical hypoparathyroidism, where oral replacement was impossible. The challenges in managing hypoparathyroidism in the setting of impaired enteral absorption are discussed with analysis of the cost and availability of parenteral treatments. Learning points: Management of hypoparathyroidism is complicated when gastrointestinal absorption is impaired. Careful consideration should be given before bariatric surgery in patients with pre-existing hypoparathyroidism, due to potential difficulty in managing hypocalcaemia, which is exacerbated when complications occur. While oral treatment of hypoparathyroidism is cheap and relatively simple, available parenteral options can carry significant cost and necessitate a more complicated dosing schedule. International guidelines for the management of hypoparathyroidism recommend the use of PTH analogues where large doses of calcium and calcitriol are required, including in gastrointestinal disorders with malabsorption. Approval of subcutaneous recombinant PTH for hypoparathyroidism in Australia will alter future management.